Fun fact: Sportsman’s Hall—sited right off Highway 50 in Pollock Pines (not far from Sly Park)—is a California Registered Historical Landmark. Formerly known as Twelve-Mile House, it dates back to 1853 when it was a hotel and relay station of the Pony Express. The original building’s hand-hewed roof beams can be seen in the dining room, and the whole place oozes old-time foothill charm (right down to the giant mounted moose head over the bar). 

Eggs Benedict

Sportsman’s has a long history of being a welcome stop on the way up and down the foothills—a tradition that’s kept alive today through the friendly staff and country home cooking coming from the kitchen. 

My other half and I recently stopped by for lunch, and were pleased to see that the American-style menu offers a little bit of everything: breakfast (served until 4 p.m.), sandwiches, burgers, salads, steak, seafood, and even special offerings for “Little Tykes” under 10. In addition to stick-to-your-ribs favorites like The Midwesterner (homemade meatloaf with mashed potatoes smothered in brown gravy), they also offer lighter fare, such as grilled chicken and turkey burgers. 

Though the rib special sounded tempting, my mate opted for one of the “Sportsman’s Dazzlers”—the Philly with Roast Beef. Piled with lashings of freshly carved, tender roast beef, mushrooms, onions, grilled bell peppers and melty jack cheese on a handmade French roll, it was comfort food at its finest. Served alongside a heaping helping of potato salad, he was one happy husband. 

Fruit Turnover

I took on the traditional eggs Benedict with perfectly poached eggs (silky smooth with velvety yolks) and country ham on a grilled English muffin, along with crispy, goldenly delicious hash browns. 

There’s a pretty impressive dessert menu too, so we decided to split a fruit turnover (we chose cherry) with ice cream; flaky (as advertised), just sweet enough and downright delicious, it was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my adult life.

If you’re looking to pre-game before a camping trip, or you just need a belly full of good home cooking and some friendly faces, make Sportsman’s Hall the welcoming stop on your next trail.   

Hours
Hours: 8 a.m.-8:30 p.m. (Wednesday-Monday), closed Tuesdays.

Try This
Traditional Eggs Benedict, Cinnamon Roll French Toast, Deluxe Burger, Sportsman’s Philly with Roast Beef

Alcohol
Beer and wine

Tab
$$

Heads-Up
Breakfast served until 4 p.m. every day; Prime Rib Dinner on Fridays and Saturdays for $19.99; almost everything is homemade (hamburger buns, biscuits, etc.); beautiful back patio with ample seating

Sportsman’s Hall
5620 Pony Express Trail, Pollock Pines, 530-647-2670, sportsmans-hall.net

By Sharon Penny // Photos by Dante Fontana © Style Media Group